Morey, you magnificent bastard. At the time of writing, the Houston Rockets just acquired Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson for literally the four worst players on their roster. Recall that at free agent’s commencement, I repeatedly stated that I preferred the avenue that saw the Rockets trade for Lawson over even potential acquisitions of Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge. And that rationale was assuming the team would have to give up Terrence Jones or the #18 pick. Instead, because of “the DUI discount”, as Forrest Walker put it, the team has landed a fringe All-Star at their weakest position, for basically a bag of trash.
Let’s be clear: Lawson has serious issues and needs to get his life together. But this deal, like Daryl Morey’s acquisition of Ron Artest six years ago, was an absolute no-brainer and a risk they had to take. In losing Josh Smith to the Clippers, and watching LaMarcus Aldridge sign with San Antonio, the Rockets took a serious step back in the Western Conference arms race. But now, they can feel confident in entering the season with a rotation that can go toe to toe with any in the league. Lawson gives the team the secondary playmaker they’ve never had in the James Harden era, and brings the serious offensive punch they glaringly lacked in the West Finals. Beverley shores up what will be a solid backcourt rotation. And then, the team brings back Howard, Motiejunas, Ariza, Jones, Brewer, and Capela up front, while banking on K.J. McDaniels’ potential. The team now has veteran experience, offense, defense, and upside sprinkled all throughout the roster.
Just unbelievable to pull this off. It wouldn’t have been possible without Lawson’s value plummeting, and the root cause there gives obvious concern. But this risk had to be taken and keeps the Rockets alive in the West.
